Amnesty International has raised concerns over what it describes as an increasing clampdown on freedom of expression in Kano State, alleging that critics of the state government and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf have faced arrests, detention, threats and intimidation.
In a statement reported on Thursday, September 24, the organisation said several people had been arrested or invited by security agencies over comments and social media posts critical of the government.
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Amnesty alleged that some of those arrested were subjected to what it described as “sham trials” and hurriedly prosecuted on questionable charges, while opposition supporters were particularly targeted over their social media activities.
The organisation expressed particular concern over the case of Abba Ibrahim Kofar Nasarawa, also known as Aiha K Nass, whom it said had remained in detention since August.
It also listed Alhaji Murtala Muhammad Dawanau, whom it alleged was detained over a comment on a Facebook post, and Fatima Dayyabu, who Amnesty said was arrested, arraigned and fined over criticism.
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Other individuals named by the organisation include Maryam Usman, popularly known as Golden Queen, Muhammad Ahmad, Hafsat Muhammad Sauwama Kauwama, Khadija Garba Kadnass, Ismail Hassan Hussain Lajin Dala and Isa Zanna Isa.
Amnesty further alleged that Zaidu Magaji had been subjected to threats and intimidation.
The organisation said the cases were indicative of what it characterised as harassment of opposition politicians and their supporters, as well as restrictions on freedom of expression in Kano State.
It stressed that citizens have the right to criticise public officials, including elected governors and the President, and called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to respect the rights to freedom of expression and association.
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The latest allegations come amid wider concerns raised by Amnesty International about the arrest and detention of journalists, activists and others expressing dissent in Nigeria. Its Nigeria 2025 assessment documented several cases involving criticism of public officials and social media posts.
Amnesty’s latest allegations have also been reported by Nigerian media, while the Kano State Government has previously rejected similar allegations as misleading and unfounded, saying security agencies act on petitions and allegations of offences.